The Spurned Viscountess
Shelley Munro
Language: English
Pages: 262
ISBN: B0041KLBF8
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
Cursed with the sight and rumors of witchcraft, Rosalind's only chance at an ordinary life is marriage to Lucien, Viscount Hastings. She doesn't expect love, only security and children of her own. Determined to go through with the wedding, she allows nothing she encounters at the gloomy Castle St. Clare to dissuade her.
Recently returned from the Continent, Lucien has no time for the English mouse his family has arranged for him to marry—not when he's plotting to avenge the murder of his beloved Francesca. He has no intention of bedding Rosalind, not even to sire an heir.
Though spurned by her bridegroom, Rosalind turns to him for protection when she is plagued by mysterious accidents and haunted by terrifying visions. Forced to keep Rosalind close—and tempted into passionate kisses—Lucien soon finds himself in danger of falling in love with his own wife...
Refreshed version of SECOND SEDUCTION, newly revised by author.
90,000 words
scowled at her maid. “This is not a witch’s cat.” “Hmm.” Mary pursed her lips, looked as if she might add another comment but desisted on seeing Rosalind’s glare. “I need a hot brick to make a warm bed for the kitten.” Rosalind turned her attention to the little creature. Still damp and bedraggled, it shivered and looked downright pitiful. Huge hazel eyes gazed at her for an instant before sliding shut. The kitten gave another convulsive shudder, and Rosalind leaped into action. She rubbed the
met him yet.” Lucien detected nothing more than casual interest. Mistress Baker exhaled loudly. “Probably won’t. Keeps to hisself. Head of the smugglers hereabouts. Don’t stand for no nonsense. He has all the people involved. Safer that way so no one’ll bleat to the authorities, not that we would, given the coin ’e pays. Time’s tough right now and ’e keeps us bellies full.” “Does the man live in the village?” his wife asked. “No one knows ’is face. Wears a mask, ’e does. Even when ’e ’elps
other explanation. Chapter Six While Mary made small talk with Mistress Baker, Rosalind pretended to study the woman’s swollen leg. She ran her hands slowly but steadily down the reddened limb and concentrated on the place inside her mind that helped her heal others. A picture formed, and with it the answers to help Mistress Baker. “How long has your leg been like this?” she asked, wanting to appear as if she was unsure of the problem. “Nigh on six months now,” Mistress Baker said.
shoe. Tears filled her eyes as she stared down at her throbbing ankle. One seeped free and ran down her cheek. She sniffed and brushed it away with her free hand. “Rosalind!” Charles’s anxious face stared down at her. Mansfield appeared then, as did her husband. Lucien rushed down the stairs, stopping to crouch beside her. “Rosalind, I heard a scream. What happened? Are you all right?” Another tear slid free. “What is it? Where does it hurt?” A sob escaped. Rosalind’s vision turned blurry.
up from outside. A soft breeze ruffled the Flemish tapestries covering the walls. “Where…” Rosalind paused to clear her throat. “Where will you sleep?” Lucien’s gaze intensified. Her skin prickled, not in fear, but a different, more foreign sensation. His gaze dropped to her mouth. The hush grew heavy with expectation. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips. Lucien cursed, long and loud, even as he eyed her lips avidly. “Don’t do that.” “What?” Rosalind backed up. This time, he stepped